In this article, I explore the impact of slavery and the Slave trade on the most fundamental relationship in human societies, the bond between mother and child. Firstly, I review European accounts of motherhood and childrearing (pre-enslavement) in the African cultures of origin. Secondly, I address the traumas of dislocation and enslavement during the Middle Passage. This is followed by some insights into the experiences of women and children in Caribbean Slave societies where I argue that, despite the harsh conditions, African-derived conceptualisations of motherhood and parenting endured. I conclude with a brief consideration of the reverberations of slavery into the post slavery era, specifically in relation to European attempts to change African-derived practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR];.
Ethnic and national identities of 11-16-year-old British Africans and Caribbeans were examined. Adolescents ranked ethnicity as more important than age, gender or nationality, stereotyped Caribbeans/Africans more positively than British and derived more pride from ethnicity than nationality. England was the least popular answer to 'where are you from', but more Caribbeans versus Africans chose this category and older Caribbeans described themselves as more 'British' than older Africans.
The mental health needs of African and Caribbean men is an area for public concern. A substantial body of research shows that these groups are disproportionately represented in mental health statistics. Eradicating the disparities in mental health treatment and outcomes for Black people requires changes in how these communities are viewed. Making services more humane at the interpersonal level is deeply important. Mental health services should build positive working relationships with black men and engage with the ideals they have of themselves.
